Mitoxantrone, cytosine arabinoside, and VP-16 in 36 patients with relapsed and refractory acute myeloid leukemia.

With intensive induction therapy, complete remission can be achieved in 60%-80% of previously untreated adult patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) when a combination of cytarabine arabinoside (Ara-C) and daunorubicin is used [1]. However, half of these patients relapse within 12–16 months. Effective cytostatic drugs and combination therapy schemes need to be developed for those patients whose leukemia cells are primary refractory to Ara-C and daunorubicin or become resistant in relapse.